Silver Stag

Goodbye Husband

[King's Landing - Red Keep, Courtyard]

It was obvious her mother had spoken to Tommen and convinced him to send Loras to aid in the crushing of these rebel pirates.

So, here she stood, her son in her arms, biding her husband farewell.

Aegar was swaddled in the blanket his mother had embroidered. Dyanna had shown her a way she used to see women in the streets swaddle their babies. Only they did not have access to the same fabrics as the Princess.

Nonetheless, this technique left mother's arms free, but their children close to them, as they worked.

First the child's legs were tucked into the blanket. Then the remaining length of the blanket was wrapped around the mother's shoulders and torso, before securing it with a knot.

She was grateful for this, as her son continued to grow and get heavier. He loved to be close to his mother, and Aelinor wouldn't have it any other way.

She only hoped their relationship wouldn't sour as hers had with her parents.

"I'm sorry," she apologized.

"For what?" Her husband asked.

"My mother convincing my brother to send you away."

"There's nothing you could have done. I might not know your mother well, but what I do know is once she set on something, it is nearly impossible to change."

"That's an understatement."

"I know our marriage began as a farce. But, I think it has grown into friendship, or at least trust in one another. In a way, our marriage was a perfect solution. You have not begrudged me for my preferences, nor I yours."

"We should not speak so openly about this in public. Could you be more discreet in your activities? Yes. But, I agree."

And she did. As much as she despised the ambitiousness of the Tyrells and Hightowers, it did not continue with Loras.

Both enjoyed the company of others, yet Loras continued to claim Aegar as his son, despite knowing he was not biologically his.

"I will do my best to deal with these men quickly and return to you and Aegar."

"Please. That is all I ask."

He nodded before looking down at their son, who had woken up some time during their conversation.

Leaning down, he kissed Aegar on the forehead. 

"I'll be back before you know it." Aegar somehow managed to free his arm and reached towards Loras, who clasped his hand in his, before looking up at his wife. "I will."

She nodded then he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

"Hopefully he isn't walking before I get back," Loras joked.

Aelinor tried her best to plaster a smile on her face, but it was useless. Her anxiety had taken over.

She knew she would have to bring this under control quickly, especially with her husband gone.

If she allowed her anxiety to take over, it would dull her senses and make her and those she cared about more vulnerable.

"I guess this is it," she said.

"I guess so." With one final kiss to both of them, he mounted his horse and began leading his men from the courtyard.

She watched until her husband and his men were out of sight.

What she did not expect to see when she turned around was the High Sparrow on one of the balconies, staring down at her.

Truthfully, it unnerved her. She had done her best to stay out of his sight, spending most of her time in her chambers with Aegar.